The Black Creator Academy is a hybrid program designed to support 50 Black creators in the Greater Toronto Area through mentorship, resources, and community-building. The program equips creators with the tools to thrive in the creator economy and culminates in a $10K grant pitch opportunity.

This program, part of Ontario’s Black Youth Action Plan, focuses on delivering economic empowerment through content creation, business development, and entrepreneurship.

Applicants must:

• Between age 15-24 years old upon enrolment.

• Identify as Black

• Based in the Greater Toronto Area

• Actively involved in content creation, digital storytelling, sports or any creative field.

To apply, complete the application form and submit your portfolio. If shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview. Successful applicants will then be notified.

The program runs from January 2025 to April 2025. Applications are open now, with interviews scheduled after the initial selection process.

The program features:

• Weekly virtual and in-person sessions

• Self-paced Micro-learning Modules

• Mentor-led workshops and guidance

• Access to office hours for 1:1 support

• A $10K grant pitch opportunity

The program is free of charge for all participants thanks to partners like the Black Youth Action Plan and the Government of Canada.

Participants should expect to dedicate approximately 3-5 hours per month for workshops, mentor sessions, and independent project work. In-person activations are not mandatory but highly recommended.

Top Participants will present their creative projects to a panel of industry experts, competing for a $10K grant to support their endeavors.

Yes! The program is designed to accommodate creators with varying schedules through a combination of virtual and in-person events.

Mentors will host sessions, provide feedback, and share their expertise. Participants will also have the chance to schedule 1:1 office hours with mentors for personalized guidance.

Projects can span any creative field, such as personal brand, products/services, photography, videography, design, content creation, digital storytelling, and more. The focus is on projects that demonstrate innovation, impact, and a clear execution plan. All of which we help you build throughout the program experience.

Selected participants will be notified via email after the interview stage. Further details, including program schedules and next steps, will be shared at that time.

Ensure your application highlights your creative journey, includes a polished portfolio, and communicates how you intend to leverage this opportunity.

Don’t have a portfolio, check our this FREE Digital Media Kit: https://trainingground.kit.com/posts/welcome-to-trainingground-ai-maximize-your-brand-1

Due to the high volume of applications, we may not be able to provide detailed feedback to all applicants.

We are always looking for experienced creators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to guide our participants. If you’d like to become a mentor, please reach out to us at programs@athletetechgroup.com to express your interest.

We welcome partnerships with brands and organizations aligned with our mission. Please email us at programs@athletetechgroup.com to discuss sponsorship or collaboration opportunities.

If you have additional questions, please email us at programs@athletetechgroup.com